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MDARD announced the first grant recipients in the state’s first-ever program aimed at strengthening Michigan’s middle-of-the-supply-chain agri-food systems.
The new Farm-to-Family “Food Hubs and Farm Stops” grant program was announced earlier this year and made possible by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s bipartisan Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The funding will help deliver locally produced and healthy food to Michiganders while creating economic opportunities for Michigan farmers. The grant awards invest in Michigan food hubs, while farm stops awards are expected later this summer.
The food hubs grant awards show the state’s commitment to further supporting apples, asparagus, blueberries, cherries, peaches, plums, an array of vegetables and local meat production across the state. The recipients are:
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Community Action House
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$25,000
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Community Foundation for Muskegon County
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$50,000
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Flint Fresh
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$50,000
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Grow Jackson
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$46,000
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Lakeshore Food Club
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$50,000
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MI Farm Cooperative
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$50,000
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Weinrich Farm LLC
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$50,000
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
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$40,920
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Total Amount Awarded:
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$361,920
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MDARD’s Farm-to-Family Program seeks to further economic prosperity across Michigan, maintain and expand diversity of the state’s agricultural production and support climate smart and regenerative agriculture value chains. More details are available on MDARD’s website.
View the full Farm-to-Family Program grants release on the MDARD webpage.
The Michigan Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development voted to approve $415,000 in Food and Agriculture Investment Program (FAIP) grants to Burnette Foods, Inc; Community Cuts, LLC; and Meating Hall, LLC. The funding, which is awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), will allow these companies to increase capacity and product offerings, expand their facilities and create 15 new jobs.
FAIP plays a crucial role in Michigan’s economic development. The program provides financial support for projects that expand food and agriculture processing, foster growth in the agriculture industry and bolster Michigan’s economy. MDARD selects projects based on high and consistent criteria, including their potential to impact the overall agriculture industry as well as food and agriculture growth and investment in the state.
Since Fiscal Year 2019, MDARD has awarded more than $5.3 million of FAIP grants. The grants were part of more than $184 million MDARD delivered over the past seven years to help local communities build infrastructure, promote agricultural prosperity, ensure food safety and create jobs.
Check out press coverage from MLive.
Read about the Food and Agriculture Investment Program.
View the full FAIP release on the MDARD webpage.
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MDARD is seeking input on the potential establishment of a legislatively enacted Michigan wine grape commodity group after growers submitted enough signatures to pursue organization. The department is currently taking nominations for a temporary advisory committee composed of industry members, which will oversee the process moving forward.
Michigan wine grape growers, and businesses affiliated with the purchase of Michigan wine grapes, are encouraged to submit their contact information to receive updates about the P.A. 232 process, including information on committees, public hearings, and referendums.
Using this form, grape growers may also nominate themselves to participate in the temporary advisory committee. Survey responses are due June 11, 2025 to be considered for the committee.
View the full Wine Grape Grower Input release on the MDARD webpage.
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International Marketing
Food Export recently hosted a Wood Products Webinar, helping wood companies discover the variety of resources available to them through the program.
The webinar provided an overview of what Food Export programs and services are available for wood product companies. This includes virtual consultations, market builder services, lead qualification services, and access to the Branded Program.
To access the recording, you will need to log on to your Food Export account.
If you are a wood products company looking for more information, please contact the International Marketing Program at MDARD-AgD@michigan.gov.
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MDARD announced today that it will accept public comments for the Rural Development Fund Grant Program through July 3, 2025.
Public input helps MDARD ensure the continued delivery of effective and efficient government services for the people of Michigan. MDARD invites Michiganders to submit comments focused on further improving the Rural Development Fund Grant Program so that it continues to strengthen infrastructure, promote sustainable land-based industries, and deliver new jobs in our rural communities.
Any member of the public may email comments to MDA-Grants@Michigan.gov until July 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. Emails must contain the subject line “Rural Development Public Comment.” The feedback collected during the public comment period will inform program improvements and suggested changes that could be made to program guidelines.
Visit the MDARD grants page for more information on Rural Development Fund Grants and to review the current 2025 guidelines.
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Industry Opportunity
The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies, MSU Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan are sponsoring a confined space grain bin and manure pit safety program across Michigan during June. The grain bin safety program is intended for co-ops, farm operators, employees and agriculture business owners. The manure pit safety program is intended for commercial manure applicators, farm operators and workers and agriculture business owners.
The trainings will be on the following dates and locations:
- June 23 – Cooperative Elevator Co., 4931 Shreeves Rd., Fairgrove, MI
- June 24 – Superior Fertilizer, 3761 E Weidman Rd., Rosebush, MI
- June 25 – Berlin Fairgrounds, 2008 Berlin Fair Dr., Marne, MI
- June 26 – Albright Farms, 740 S. Angola Rd., Coldwater, MI
There is no fee to attend, but registration is requested. Registration for both the grain bin and manure pit safety trainings closes on June 16, 2025 at midnight. To register, visit the 2025 Grain Bin and Manure Pit Safety Training Program registration page.
For more information about the training, visit the MSU Extension website.
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